Are you in the market for a new career? Equine assisted services (EAS) centers across the U.S. are reporting job openings for qualified applicants.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to pursue this industry; it is growing, and it’s very rewarding,” says Carol Young, CEO of Healing Strides in Boones Mill, Va.

What are Equine Assisted Services (EAS)?

People are often surprised to learn the depth and breadth of EAS. The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) describes EAS as an umbrella term that includes offerings in therapy, horsemanship and learning.

Therapy can only be provided by licensed physical, occupational, or recreational therapists, speech and language pathologists, and counselors or psychotherapists. The requirements for these careers are spelled out in their specific education and licensing requirements.

These licensed professionals either have equine skills or team with someone who has equine skills. They are the only ones who can use the term “therapy” in the descriptions of what they provide.

To pursue a career in therapy, you first must attain a degree and licensure in your chosen profession. If you’re interested in any of the therapy careers, explore which ones might be a good fit for you. The American Hippotherapy Association can provide more information on how to combine those degrees with horses.

Horsemanship and learning are non-therapy activities.

Horsemanship is provided by qualified therapeutic/adaptive riding instructors and can include mounted or unmounted activities. These non-therapy options could include riding, competitions, therapeutic driving, interactive vaulting, and ground lessons.

Learning focuses on mounted or unmounted experiential activities provided by trained professionals, such as teachers and life or executive coaches who are also therapeutic/adaptive riding instructors, or team with someone who is. These non-therapy options could include focuses on education, corporate organizations, leadership or personal development.

Support Careers

The saying “it takes a village” applies perfectly to EAS. Many roles help bring people and horses together in an EAS program. These support career opportunities are equally in demand.

“Barn staff is challenging to keep,” says Lynnette Stuart, CEO of Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. “The positions that are most difficult to fill are those that require certification or equine experience, because everyone’s interpretation of equine experience is very different.”

Kitty Stallsburg, CEO of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding in Old Lyme, Ct., has also noted that some roles are harder to staff than others.

“Volunteer management positions are the most difficult to fill for our program,” she says.

A wide range of job titles can be found on websites of EAS centers across the country. A quick search to look at staff job titles provides a sampling of career opportunities in equine management, volunteer management, program management, training and education, communications, fundraising, grant writer, or CEO/Ed.

New titles, such as digital marketing director or equine well-being monitor, are also appearing. Each of these positions requires a specific skill set.

Skill Sets

Horses, donkeys, mules, ponies, and Miniature Horses are all equines that can be found making a difference, and without them there would be no programs. The people who partner with these special equines require broad knowledge and horsemanship skills.

These skills can be obtained through life experience and/or obtaining education at a university in an equine field of study. Universities offer degree programs, minors, and concentrations in EAS, in addition to a variety of equine degrees. 4-H, United States Pony Clubs, horse camps and riding lessons all help educate a knowledgeable and skilled horse person. It can’t be stressed enough that in-depth equine knowledge and horsemanship skills will make for a stronger job candidate and a more effective and safe EAS program.

Therapeutic/adaptive riding instructors require skills in equine management, horsemanship, instruction, teaching methodology, and disabilities. Detailed requirements can be found at pathintl.org.

Specific criteria can also be found for interactive vaulting, therapeutic driving, and equine specialist in mental health and learning (ESMHL) instructors. These criteria can guide you on your career journey.

The more diverse your skills, the more marketable you will be. Often two skill sets can be paired into one position. Examples of staff with a diversity of skills include a barn manager or volunteer coordinator who teaches several EAS classes; a caretaker covering the receptionist role on weekends; or a head instructor who is also the grant writer.

“A career as a therapeutic riding instructor was sustainable for me because I had the education and experience to begin in the EAS industry as a head instructor and then program director,” says Lili Kellogg, CEO of Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship in Dallas, Texas.

Where to Start

Since EAS has more opportunities than most people realize, where should you start? First, learn by doing and volunteer at a local EAS program. Shadow different personnel and experience a program in action. Participate in lessons as a horse-leader or a side-walker, assist a volunteer coordinator, or participate in a fundraiser.

Be prepared to relocate to find your dream job and best culture fit.

“Potential candidates need to be open to relocation, plan for it, prepare for it, and ask for help,” says Amy Tripson, logistics manager for ROCK Equine Therapy in Georgetown, Texas. “Centers are motivated to find staff and you’re motivated to find a job, so work together to reach that goal. Be flexible, talented and driven.”

Join professional organizations to keep abreast of this fast-paced industry. Examples of organizations to follow are the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF), PATH Intl., the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), and Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI).

Being current will help you follow the industry trends.

“Lots of Baby Boomers are retiring,” says Lynn Petr, CEO of Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR) in Lenoir City, Tenn. “Many of the Boomers hold top positions with higher pay rates. Focus on adding needed skills for those positions to your portfolio.”

Additionally, you can check out educational offerings through organizations, colleges, and universities to help decide a professional course of action.

Dana Butler, CEO of the Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., sums it up:

“A career in equine assisted services is answering a call. That call is to service, to excellence, to the horse and its innate power, and to be of service to persons who need what we offer as a profession. You will change people’s lives for the better.”

The post Working and Volunteering in Equine Assisted Services (EAS) appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 10, hosts Susan Friedland and Raquel Lynn chat with Lauren Reischer, equestrian coach at Special Olympics New York. Next, they catch up with Victoria Nodiff-Netanel, the founder of Mini Therapy Horses. Finally, they take a closer look at Charlie Brown, August’s Adoptable Horse of the Month.

Click to listen on mobile.

Listen to Barn Banter episode 10 now to meet Lauren and Victoria. Plus, hear about our ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horse of the month, Charlie Brown, from the ASPCA Equine Transition & Adoption Center in Oklahoma.

Title Sponsor: Straight Arrow Family of Brands

Lauren Reischer

Lauren Reischer, 24, was born with cerebral palsy and started therapeutic riding at age 3 by the recommendation of her surgeon after a reconstructive hip surgery. After “graduating” from therapeutic riding, she took to riding recreationally and competitively with hunter/jumper barns on Long Island, Ny. In 2021, she graduated from Brown University, where she co-captained their NCAA Equestrian Team and earned her bachelor’s degree in education and public policy.

Following her graduation, Lauren worked as Director of Development at Special Olympics New York (SONY), where she raised money to help create the Summer Show Series. This program gives the equestrian athletes of SONY the opportunity compete alongside the larger hunter/jumper community at ‘A’ shows in their own signature equitation division. Although she now works in public relations at the American Thoracic Society, she still spearheads the SONY equestrian program and turned professional in September 2022 to continue growing this program and cultivating the next class of riders with disabilities.

◆ Lauren’s Instagram (@laurenreischer)
◆ Lauren’s Facebook

Victoria Nodiff-Netanel, founder of Mini Therapy Horses

From pretending to be a horse as a kid in Wisconsin and painting realistic horses after graduating from the California Institute of the Arts to competing in dressage at the Intermediate levels, Victoria Nodiff-Netanel has always known the magic of horses. After many years of competing in dressage, Victoria shifted gears when she acquired Quicksilver’s Black Pearl, a Miniature Horse. While “Pearl” was initially purchased as a pet, Victoria’s horsemanship skills helped the two of them form an incredible partnership. In 2008, armed with a passionate love for not only horses but also helping others, Victoria began conducting equine-assisted therapy visits at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center with her teammate, Pearl. That same year, Victoria officially established Mini Therapy Horses.

Since its start 15 years ago, Mini Therapy Horses has grown immensely. Now with a team of ten Miniature Horse mares, Victoria has expanded her program to many more local health centers such as Shriners Children’s Southern California, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center and UCLA Santa Monica as part of the UCLA People-Animal Connection, UCLA Stuart House, the L.A. Ronald McDonald House, and the L.A. Department of Children and Family Services. Additionally, Victoria and her Minis are members of the L.A. Mayor’s Crisis Response Team and the L.A. Sheriff’s Youth Foundation. They also visit many local schools, senior living facilities, rehabilitation centers, community events and more.

◆ Official Mini Therapy Horses website
◆ Mini Therapy Horses’ Instagram (@minitherapyhorses)
◆ Mini Therapy Horses’ Facebook (@minitherapyhorses)

Featured Adoptable Horse

On this episode of Barn Banter, Tom Persechino from the ASPCA Equine Transition and Adoption Center in Oklahoma tells us about this month’s ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horse of the month, Charlie Brown. Charlie Brown is celebrated as the 500th horse the ASPCA Equine Transition and Adoption Center has positively impacted since its inception in 2019!

At 32 inches high, this Mini Horse comes with a massive personality and stellar rock-star looks. He is 10 years old and full of spunk, but also ready to nuzzle at a moment’s notice. Charlie Brown is healthy but is on a daily dose of Prascend to treat Cushing’s. Through no fault of his, his owner had to relinquish him when life circumstances changed.

Learn more about Charlie Brown here.

Title Sponsor of Barn Banter

We want to thank our Title Sponsor, the Straight Arrow Family of Brands, makers of Mane ‘n Tail, Cowboy Magic & Exhibitor’s, with over 100 years of grooming excellence. For more information about your favorite products, visit straightarrowinc.com and find Straight Arrow Products at a tack shop near you!

In addition to Barn Banter episode 10, you check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts.

The post Barn Banter – Episode 10 from title sponsor Straight Arrow Products appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

A True Cowgirl

I have a condition called arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. I can’t stand up without braces, and I use a walker and wheelchair. My disability not only affects my daily life, but my future and goals.

I’m limited on what I can do with horses. I can’t just hop up on a horse like anyone else. When looking at me, people might think that I can easily get hurt around a horse. I’ve never seen it that way, though; I’ve always seen myself like any other horse-crazy girl. I wanted to know everything about horses, and I hoped to be a true cowgirl or horsewoman. It just took a while for me to feel that way.

A favorite equine haven of mine is the Kentucky Horse Park. I’m sure my family got tired of seeing the same horses and activities every year when I’d ask to go for my birthday, but I loved it. I would go on the pony ride every time and loved seeing the many different horse breeds.

As I grew into my teenage years, I wanted to ride horses more than anything. My parents agreed to let me ride at a therapeutic riding center known as the REATH Center (Riding Enhanced Around Therapeutic Horses) in Campbellsville, Ky. I rode once a week every week, weather permitting.

I would savor and soak up every moment at the riding center. I learned a lot about riding and caring for a horse while spending time there. I grasped that even with my disability, it was still possible to ride like anyone else.

Deep down, I still desired my big dream: having a horse of my own. I knew that day would come in the distant future when I became an adult. However, it ended up coming a lot sooner than I expected.

A Dream Realized

When I was 15 years old, a Tennessee Walking Horse named Glory changed my life. While on the search for a horse, I discovered a herd of nine horses not far from where I live. Some were untouched, and others loved attention and treats.

Those horses taught me so much throughout the time I spent with them. I developed relationships with them. I even bonded with Harley, the horse that wouldn’t come anywhere near you. To that herd of horses, I will forever be grateful that I met them and bonded with them.

I rode Glory at that farm for a few years before bringing her to my home. Before that happened, I’ll never forget my dad asking me if I would ever grow out of my love for riding. I assured him I wouldn’t.

Some young girls have a phase of loving horses, but I never grew out of that phase. Now, at 20 years old, I enjoy living my childhood dream every day by taking part in Glory’s life and daily care.

Owning and riding a horse isn’t just a hobby or sport for me. Being a rider is who I am. I wake up every day and wheel myself out to the barn because I love it. It’s my motivation and inspiration. I’m so thankful I get to live my dream every day, even if it’s just going out to the barn to do chores.

I know I’m going to experience more with horses, so the journey has just begun!

This article about Jewell Cox’s horse journey appeared in the April 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The Journey Horses Can Take Us On appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Award Winners were honored to celebrate the people and equines who partner together to change the lives of people who live with physical, mental, emotional and learning challenges. PATH Intl. award winners included certified professionals, veterinarians, volunteers and horses. This year’s exciting awards were a much-anticipated highlight of the association’s 50th anniversary, which was celebrated at the 2019 PATH Intl. Conference and Annual Meeting, presented by title sponsor Purina.

Each region has the opportunity to nominate individuals and equines. The winners of the equestrian and region awards were announced in July and honored, along with the international winners, at the luncheon. The awards luncheon was held November 9 in Denver, CO, at PATH Intl. headquarters.

2019 PATH Intl. Achievement Awards

• Equine of the Year Award (co-sponsored by Purina and The Equus Foundation): Cameo, Region 6, Midwest Therapeutic Riding Program in Union Grove, Wisc.
• Certified Professional of the Year: Joan Cutler, Region 8, Equest, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Dallas, Texas
• Volunteer of the Year: Terry Wilk, Region 8, Equest, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Dallas, Texas
• Veterinarian of the Year (sponsored by Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, makers of Adequan): Dr. Patrick Breen, Region 8, ROCK Ride On Center for Kids, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Georgetown, Texas

Amanda Hogan earned the PATH Intl. James Brady Professional Achievement Award, Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, Inc., a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in North Andover, Mass.

The James Brady Professional Achievement Award honors people who make lasting contributions throughout the equine-assisted activities and therapies field. PATH recognizes them for:

• Demonstrating the highest ethical behavior in their personal and professional life;
• Possessing proven leadership and dedication through delivery of service, educational contribution, support and promotion of the industry;
• Bringing innovative ideas to fruition;
• Creating collaborations and partnerships to advance the work of EAAT; and
• Enhancing the success and knowledge of others in the association.

International PATH Intl. Award Winners

The following international PATH Intl. award winners were also honored. They were selected from the regional winners announced in July.

• Adult Equestrian of the Year: Hunter Adkins, Region 8, Equest, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Dallas, Texas
• Youth Equestrian of the Year: Andrew Robinson, Region 8, Equest, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Dallas, Texas
• Equine Services for Heroes Equestrian of the Year: Mitchell Hedlund, Region 8, Equest, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Dallas, Texas

PATH Intl. is thankful for all the judges who made difficult decisions and all those who nominated horses and humans.

A full list of all the winners, international and regional, is available online.

About PATH Intl.

Formed in 1969, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) promotes safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with special needs. At 873 member centers, nearly 69,000 children and adults, including more than 6,700 veterans, may find improved health, wellness, fun and a sense of pride and independence through involvement with horses.

Therapeutic horsemanship at member centers can include hippotherapy, equine-facilitated mental health, driving, interactive vaulting, trail riding, competition, ground work and stable management. Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful EAAT programs. There are nearly 62,000 volunteers, 4,776 instructors, 7,943 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at PATH Intl. Member Centers.

The post 2019 PATH Intl. Award Winners Honored During 50th Anniversary PATH International Conference and Annual Meeting appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.